Epson Showcases two SureColor P-series models at ISA Sign Expo

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Print
Epson’s new SureColor P-Series wide-format photo printers deliver exhibition-quality prints 2x faster than their predecessors (as far as the print engine speed is concerned)
Available in USA in Summer 2025, other regions will vary

Epson added two new models to its SureColor® P-Series line – the 24-inch SureColor P7370 and 44-inch SureColor P9370.

Ideal for the demanding needs of professional photography, fine art and graphic design, the new wide-format printers feature an advanced printhead design and extended color gamut to deliver exhibition-quality prints at speeds over two times faster than the previous generation. Print speeds are based on the print engine speed only, as total throughput time for any print depends on various factors including workstation configuration, file size, print resolution, ink coverage and networking. It is good to know that engine speed has doubled, because there will be substantial benefits to users.

The 24-inch SureColor P7370 and 44-inch SureColor P9370 feature an advanced printhead design and tout UltraChrome PRO10 Ink with Violet to deliver an extended color gamut with a wide range of blue hues, ensuring accurate colour reproduction and industry-leading print permanence.
“The photographic print embodies the essence of true artistry in photography. Trusted by the world’s leading photographers, the SureColor P-Series printers produce exhibition-quality photographs, large vibrant fine art, stunning graphic design compositions, and more,” said Aaron Brill, product manager, Epson America, Inc. “The new SureColor P7370 and P9370 are designed to strike the perfect balance – offering an expanded color gamut to accurately reproduce every detail, faster speeds and better usability from previous models.”
Both the SureColor P7370 and SureColor P9370 feature a 10-channel 2.6-inch PrecisionCore printhead with dedicated Photo Black and Matte Black channels and both printers come equipped with Epson Media Installer®, a software application designed to help control parameters for successful printing for a variety of media, including thick fine art papers and posterboard.  

Additional features include:
No Photo and Matte Black Ink switching – dedicated channels for Photo Black and Matte Black Inks eliminate the need to switch between inks, helping to improve efficiency and minimise ink wasteIntuitive operation – large 4.3-inch color LCD touchscreen allows for easy setup, control and maintenanceReliable printer design – redesigned industrial-level print engine for lasting durability and an interior LED light for convenient operationExtensive media handling – compatible with a wide variety of photographic and fine art roll media, sheet media and rigid boards up to 1.5 mm thickAdvanced software support for enhanced productivity – includes Epson Cloud Solution PORT® for fleet management and Epson Print Layout software for simple print productionThe post Epson Showcases two SureColor P-series models at ISA Sign Expo first appeared on Print in the Channel.

 

Exertis have a new Document Solutions Product Manager

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AppointmentsExertis have recently welcomed Gary Dunstan to their Print and Scan division, as their new Document Solutions Product Manager, and are very pleased to have him on board. He joins them from Midwich, where he spent over 5 years, in his last position as Product Manager. Prior to that 
Dunstan has remarked, “I have many years experience across the print and scan industry – selling managed print solutions, and more recently working as a product specialist and product manager to bring vendors such as Kyocera, Epson and Lexmark to market. I’m absolutely delighted to have been welcomed so warmly into the Exertis Print and Scan team, and look forward to supporting our customers, colleagues and vendors.”
 The post Exertis have a new Document Solutions Product Manager first appeared on Print in the Channel.

 

Having Confidence in Confidential Scanning

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ScanDemand for confidential scanning continues to grow and can be a key part of helping businesses to digitise their operations, and resellers can capitalise on this, says Kevin Dobson, product manager for scan at Epson.
For businesses operating hybrid work models, secure document signing and document transfer are more critical than ever.
With WFH the norm for many businesses, employees now routinely handle sensitive documents in multiple locations, making it essential to ensure that documents remain protected at every stage of their lifecycle.
Whether handling contracts, financial records, or confidential client information as some examples, organisations must have the right security measures in place to prevent unauthorised access, tampering or data breaches.
The WorkForce DS-800WN and DS-900WN are Epson’s latest scanners that address these challenges directly by offering built-in authentication features, including user login at the scanner level to ensure that only authorised personnel can process sensitive documents.
This feature is particularly valuable in in industries that require strict compliance with regulations like GDPR, where ensuring documents are signed and transferred securely is non-negotiable. 
And because the new models also integrate with Docusoft’s document and data management software, all scanned documents can be automatically indexed, catalogued, and securely stored in the appropriate repository, reducing the risk of human error or security lapses.
Growing market
The market for secure scanning capabilities continues to grow as businesses look to digitise workflows and improve document security. Many are undoubtedly looking to replace older scanners and devices that lack integration with cloud-based document management platforms, or that fail to provide adequate security features.
This demand is particularly evident within sectors such as finance, legal and healthcare as they need to meet strict regulatory requirements while managing high volumes of sensitive documents.
Customers now expect faster, more secure and fully integrated scanning solutions. The move to hybrid working means businesses need devices that work across multiple locations while maintaining strict security standards.
To meet these changing demands, manufacturers like Epson are introducing more intelligent, connected scanners that provide networked security and workflow automation. The DS-800WN and DS-900WN are examples of this, offering touchscreen-based authentication, direct scan-to-cloud functionality and support for third-party software integration via Epson’s Open Platform. 
Reseller conversations
To capitalise on this growing market, when talking to customers about scanning, resellers should position secure scanning as a key enabler of digital transformation, helping businesses improve efficiency, reduce security risks and meet compliance standards. Many businesses still rely on outdated, inefficient processes, creating an opportunity for resellers to introduce modern, secure scanning solutions.
Resellers should also be highlighting how capabilities such as cloud-based document management eliminates manual file organisation and ensures documents are securely stored and easily retrievable. It is important for businesses to understand the benefits of being able to scan directly to platforms such as SharePoint – one of which is reducing reliance on email-based document transfers, which are often inefficient and not secure.
It is also worth discussing the cost benefits. The charge-per-scan model from Docusoft allows businesses to manage costs more efficiently while gaining access to a structured document management system. Instead of scanning to an inbox with no oversight, businesses can track, categorise and secure every scan automatically.
Security is the final critical selling point. Resellers should emphasise and talk about the benefits of security features such as built-in user authentication and explain how valuable this level of security is, particularly for industries with strict regulatory requirements, such as legal, financial and healthcare.
Future trends
With the ongoing shift towards paperless workflows, demand for integration between scanning solutions and cloud-based platforms will continue to grow in 2025.
Security will also remain a top priority, with multi-factor authentication, encrypted document transfer and stricter compliance measures becoming standard expectations. As cyberthreats increase, businesses will continue to invest in solutions that provide greater control over document access and audit trails, reducing the risk of data breaches.
Another significant trend is the growing adoption of pay-per-use and subscription-based scanning models. Businesses are moving away from large upfront hardware investments in favour of flexible, usage-based pricing structures that provide better cost predictability. This change will open new opportunities for resellers to offer scanning as a managed service, rather than just selling standalone devices.
As businesses continue to digitise their operations, the need for secure, intelligent, and cost-effective scanning solutions will drive further innovation in the sector. Manufacturers will focus on developing faster, more connected and highly automated devices that meet the growing demands of modern workplaces.The post Having Confidence in Confidential Scanning first appeared on Print in the Channel.

 

How to Extend Printer Lifecycles and Reduce E-waste

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SustainabilityThe problem of e-waste is growing year-on-year and businesses can help to cut this by ensuring their printer fleets are used as long as possible, as Faki Saadi, director, UKI at SOTI, explains.
From warehouses and the retail floor to hospitals and delivery trucks, business-critical printers are everywhere. Each day, they perform important tasks, including printing packing slips so that deliveries are made on time, receipts for customers at point-of-sale terminals, patient wristbands for faster triaging or shipping labels to keep the supply chain moving. It’s easy to understand just how many printers are out there and how disposing of older, broken or no longer needed models can significantly contribute to the growing e-waste problem.
The UK generates about six million tonnes of e-waste every year and, according to the UN, is the second-largest producer of e-waste in the world. SOTI data also shows that 38% of UK IT leaders replace devices regardless of whether they still work or not. The impact this has on the environment is a major concern. Many components in these products are toxic and don’t biodegrade easily – if at all. As such, enterprises must do all they can to maintain and repair their printer fleets. Here’s how.
Battery health
Devices, such as handheld printers, are often left on the charging dock for several hours. This can damage and drain the battery over time, causing it to not function at its best. Batteries only have a limited number of charge-discharge cycles, so it’s key to stay on top of this and ensure each cycle lasts as long as possible. This can be achieved by:
• Using automated tools to monitor battery charge cycles and temperature
• Turning on the device’s battery saver mode
• Using data to predict when batteries will fail and proactively replacing them
• Shortening the idle time before the device goes to sleep and/or locks.
Helping from afar 
If a personal device has an issue, it’s easy to walk into a local electronics shop to have it repaired but for a large industrial printer, it often requires a maintenance person to make an on-site trip – or two, if parts need to be ordered. A smaller corporate device would also still need to be shipped back to HQ if faulty.
Not only is this time-consuming and causes downtime, it’s also an unnecessary burden on the environment with packaging, shipping and fuel costs to consider. This can lead to companies opting to replace equipment as opposed to fixing the problem at hand.
But this doesn’t have to be the case, as problems can be predicted and prevented by analysing device data and using intelligent remote management. With SOTI Connect, TSC Auto ID and Bartender, businesses benefit from a printer ecosystem which combines remote management, robust hardware solutions and compliant label software. Firmware, Wi-Fi certificates and app updates can easily be deployed and installed, while maintenance updates or new features for TSC Auto ID can be seamlessly integrated to enable the latest functionality. There’s no need for IT teams to manually update devices or send printers back to headquarters for diagnostics. 
By implementing automated rules to issue alerts and actions, IT administrators can proactively prevent unexpected print failures and interruptions. Remote configuration of printer settings also enables consistent print quality, regardless of location. 
Mission-critical, unattended printers benefit from real-time remote access to relevant endpoints, enabling immediate troubleshooting and reducing costly maintenance. Key operational metrics such as battery status and operating temperature also provide valuable insights for fine-tuning configurations and ensuring reliable printing operations. This is key for all industries but has strong applications in transportation and logistics and retail, where digital printers are essential tools for improving traceability and tracking in supply chains. As such, enabling remote capabilities should be high on the agenda. 
Step back and review
With the quick pace of technological development, it’s easy for a business to get swept up in wanting – or thinking the company needs – the latest printers. But often there’s no need to upgrade a device simply because a newer model has come along. A decision to replace it should be out of necessity. After all, if the hardware allows an organisation and its workers to perform their duties, why waste time and money on upgrades? 
If new devices are needed, the conversation should then pivot to whether: 
• Another department within the organisation could use or replace the older models to limit unnecessary e-waste 
• If not, whether a non-profit or small business could benefit from the printer if it’s still in good working condition
• Or finally, if a printer has come to the end of its life, where is the best place for it to be recycled? This is one of the simplest steps IT departments can take to reduce e-waste as it ensures devices are disposed of properly
By thinking more thoroughly about these phases, companies can make a real difference. 
Making a greener future 
With better printer management, businesses are not just ticking an eco-box. Implementing environmentally sustainable practices helps companies meet their corporate social responsibility obligations while avoiding costly replacements can also save money and reduce the time spent deploying new equipment or arranging waste removal.  
It’s time to move past a ‘rip and replace’ culture and be more mindful of which devices simply need better care to move into the next stage of their operational lives.The post How to Extend Printer Lifecycles and Reduce E-waste first appeared on Print in the Channel.

 

EKM Global joins the Managed Print Services Association

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Awards & AccreditationsEKM Global has recently joined the Managed Print Services Association and achieved a prestigious accreditation, which will bring benefits to the business. Other companies in the sector could benefit similarly if they join too, says Ian Silvester, general manager of EKM Global.
For businesses in the managed print services (MPS) sector, reputation is everything, especially when trying to win new customers. If you can demonstrate that you are a reputable provider it can help to win new business, and accreditations and being a member of industry bodies can go a long way towards this.
For instance, recently, EKM Global joined the Managed Print Services Association (MPSA), which describes itself as the only international, independent and nonprofit MPS organisation that embraces all industry participants in a collaborative environment. The MPSA provides education, research and best practices to help organisations manage and optimise their document output devices and related business processes. 
EKM Global is dedicated to helping organisations in the managed print community achieve their managed print goals, and our membership confirms our dedication to grow and shape the future of the MPS industry through innovation, professionalism and empowerment.
Accreditation
In addition, EKM Global has achieved the Managed Print Certified accreditation from the MPSA. Managed Print Certified is a respected industry credential that signifies the recipient’s adherence to best practices for technology service delivery and customer interaction.
The Managed Print Certified accreditation was developed in collaboration with industry experts and leaders to identify businesses that have made a commitment to the highest levels of integrity and sustained quality service for MPS. To earn the accreditation, organisations are evaluated on the internal practices and procedures used to run their managed print business and the external activities and operations they engage in with customers and prospects. This process validates the organisation’s commitment to meet or exceed the best business practices the MPS industry has to offer.
Eric Crump, president of the MPSA, outlined what this accreditation means. “EKM Global has established itself as a global leader in delivering innovative managed print services to the market,” he said. “Achieving the Managed Print Certified accreditation further demonstrates their dedication to industry best practices and excellence in service delivery for the managed print services market.”
Achieving goals
By joining the MPSA and achieving the Managed Print Certified accreditation, EKM Global has undertaken evaluations of the business and its processes to ensure that it is in compliance with the standards required.
Organisations such as the MPSA have high standards, and by promoting our membership it tells customers that EKM Global has high standards too, giving them confidence about our operations. Other MPS providers should look to join organisations such as the MPSA as it could help to boost their bottom line.The post EKM Global joins the Managed Print Services Association first appeared on Print in the Channel.

 

How Energy Efficient Printers Lower Costs and Carbon Footprints

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InsightsFor many businesses, sustainability is a priority, but with economic growth slight, cost-cutting is also high on the agenda. When looking at printers, customers want energy efficiency to cover both priorities.
With the economy continuing to register slow-to-zero growth, these are tough times for businesses, and many are looking to find savings wherever possible. At the same time, pressure to be more sustainable continues to build. So, if a business can find a way of saving costs and becoming more sustainable, so much the better. And energy efficient printers can help to achieve this.
James Knox, head of corporate responsibility/ESG at Ricoh UK, notes: “ESG is no longer a corporate luxury, incumbent and prospective customers are now basing buying decisions on added value – particularly around ESG benefits,” he says. 
“As energy prices continue to fluctuate, businesses are prioritising carbon reduction, with energy efficiency in printers becoming a key contributor in the broader sustainability agenda. Not just for environmental impact, but also to combat rising operational costs. Energy efficient printers contribute to net-zero goals by helping to lower electricity bills and reduce carbon emissions.”
Dan Wogan, product manager for office printing at Epson UK, agrees that energy efficiency has become a key consideration in printer selection. “This is driven by financial necessity, environmental responsibility, but also fluctuating costs of electricity,” he says. “As businesses work to lower their carbon footprints and meet sustainability targets, reducing energy consumption is more critical than ever, but so too is their cost per Kwh and cutting total cost of ownership (TCO).”
Peter Dresser, product marketing manager at Kyocera Document Solutions UK, adds that minimising the energy usage of printers and multifunction printers (MFPs) offers cost savings and helps organisations lower their Scope 1 emissions to deliver tangible benefits in sustainability.
“Energy efficient devices are about more than just peak power consumption,” he says. “Buyers need to look at standby and sleep mode power usage, where devices spend most of their time. Eco-friendly printing modes reduce power usage even further on some printing products.”
Tony Ko, vice president of hardware and business solutions, Katun Corporation, adds that today’s MFPs must go beyond just energy efficiency. “They should offer a more holistic approach that prioritises reliability and streamlined operations, enabling businesses to succeed while minimising environmental impact and cutting long-term expenses,” he says.
Increasingly energy efficiency
Original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) have been working to make more energy efficient printers and are doing this in various ways. 
James says Ricoh leverages the latest components and touch panel displays. “For example, our Smart Operation Panel uses 45% less power than the predecessor,” he says. “Furthermore, we have also implemented carbon offsetting programmes to help our customers achieve continuous environmental improvement, offering certification for ISO 14001.”
Tony notes that Katun’s Arivia MFPs include an auto-on capability that detects approaching users. “This minimising start-up time and ensuring immediate readiness without requiring power-on or standby mode,” he adds. “Arivia MFPs also include smart power routing that optimises energy use by activating only necessary components and customisable settings to track paper usage and reduce waste. 
“Arivia MFPs also include LED print head technology that offers low-temperature fusing, conserving energy while providing excellent print performance. In addition, Induction Heating fusing technology provides quick heating allowing short start-up time without preheating fuser in stand-by or power saving mode.
“There is also reduced energy consumption with smart power routing, which optimises power usage by activating only necessary components. There is also ultra-low temperature EA toner featuring reduced power consumption during fusing. It also eliminates unnecessary print and paper waste with features including private charge print, scan and paperless fax.”
Stuart Miller, director UK&I Canon Channel Partners, says that in terms of power consumption, printers should be designed to perform at an extremely low wattage per print. “The new imageFORCE C7165 and several imageRUNNER ADVANCE DX models consume less than one watt of energy while in sleep mode,” he notes.
Bringing down the heat
Another way printers are becoming more energy efficient is using heat-free inkjet technology. “Printing has traditionally been an energy-intensive process, especially in workplaces where printers are continuously running and laser printers are common, which require significant heat to fuse toner onto paper,” says Dan. 
“However, heat-free inkjet technology offers a far more energy-efficient alternative by eliminating the need for heat in the printing process. Research shows that if businesses worldwide transitioned from laser to inkjet, it could save 1.3 million metric tonnes of CO₂ annually.
“Heat-free inkjet printers do not need warm-up cycles. This reduces energy consumption and results in faster first-page-out times, improving overall productivity.”
Peter adds that another approach OEMs are taking is to streamline internal components, removing fans, motors and their associated circuitry to reduce heat, noise and power usage. “Reducing the heat a device generates has the added benefit of reducing office heat and hence the unseen impact on increased air conditioning costs,” he notes. “Technology such as Kyocera’s low melt toner is also playing its part, fusing 30 degrees Celsius below other toners it has the effect of cutting the energy used when printing by 50%. Kyocera’s latest range of ECOSYS colour printers boast an ultra-low sleep mode usage of just 0.3W for maximum energy savings.”
Gary Organ, head of device technology in the UK at Fujifilm, adds: “Fujifilm Apeos printers offer more energy efficiency through lower temperature fusing toner, energy saving modes, utilising recycled plastic and flame-resistant bio based plastics, induction heating to speed up heating the toner, smart power saving and more.
“OEMs like Fujifilm have sustainable product development for the good of the planet at its core, this minimises the environmental impact, ensures sustainable sourcing and certified recycling as well as minimise energy usage.” 
More than just Kwh
Indeed, printers are becoming more energy efficient in a variety of ways – it isn’t just about Kwh. For instance, OEMs are increasing the percentage of post-consumer recycled plastic in device build. “Printers are manufactured with eco-friendly materials, longer-lasting components, and include features like duplex printing to cut paper use,” says James. “The Ricoh IM Cxx10 series uses 50% of post-consumer recycled plastic.
“Other sustainable features include recyclable cartridges, lower-emission consumables and packaging reduction. At Ricoh, our Green Line models are designed with the circular economy in mind.”
Stuart agrees OEMs are taking a holistic approach to energy efficiency. “At Canon, we are focused on maximising the lifespan of parts and reducing the use of raw materials,” he says. “From 2008 to 2023, we achieved a 44% reduction in the lifecycle emissions of our products.
“At the end of the product lifecycle, ink cartridge recycling and refurbishment programmes enable customers to contribute to the circular economy. At Canon, energy saving initiatives such as these are expected to achieve a CO2 reduction of 3.2 million tons, having a significant flow-on effect for our channel partners and their customers.”
Gary says that Fujifulm is putting continuous research and development into making its printers more energy efficient, including looking at resources, utilising recycled plastics, and delivering recycling solutions for consumable items. “Fujifilm launched its new circular manufacturing facility in Tilburg last May allowing initially Fujifilm to collect and recycle toners, drums, and other consumables and replenish with genuine toners made from the used plastics,” he notes. “This facility will expand to devices in the future.” 
A part of this is offering extended warranties on printers. “With a warranty that can guarantee the printer’s serviceable lifetime for up to eight years, businesses are better ensuring the circularity of their device,” says Dan.
Ink is another factor. “Epson’s Replaceable Ink Pack System is featured in the latest Workforce Pro EM-C800RDWF and EP-C800RDW printers,” says Dan. “These models deliver high-yield ink packs capable of printing up to 50,000 pages in mono and 20,000 pages in colour before needing replacement. This significantly reduces the frequency of consumable changes and cuts down on the manufacturing, transportation, and disposal of ink packs, minimising environmental impact throughout the product’s entire lifecycle.”
Peter notes that for maximum environmental savings organisations should choose a supplier with a CSR approach that goes beyond the printer itself. “For instance, Kyocera Document Solutions UK is a carbon neutral company, offering carbon neutral devices and recycling programmes to minimise environmental impact,” he says.
Stuart notes that digitising processes through intelligent print solutions can play a crucial role. “As systems become more automated, we will see businesses embrace emerging technology such as AI to improve monitoring and assessment tools,” he says. “With the ability to learn patterns across devices and identify hidden inefficiencies, these tools will be able to predict and prevent maintenance requests automatically.
“It is also important to consider consumables as part of this bigger picture. Canon’s Zero paper range is leading the market in the development of climate-compensated paper. One year on since the launch of Canon’s Zero paper, we have compensated 783 tonnes of CO2 emissions.”
Difference
Using energy efficient printers does make a difference to a business’ sustainability targets. “Reduced waste such as paper toner and parts supports circular economy practices,” says James. “Particularly for businesses that have a large fleet, optimising energy efficiency with EcoMode and utilising data within our service solution Ricoh @Remote, can considerably reduce waste to achieve ESG targets.”
Dan says one of the most immediate benefits is a significant reduction in carbon emissions, particularly where printers are in continuous use. “Helping customers measure this impact using Epson’s Optimisation Calculator means that businesses can physically quantify the energy reduction and directly attributable carbon from the generation of that electricity,” he adds.
“Epson also offers an extended warranty that can guarantee serviceable life for up to eight years.”
Tony adds that product reliability plays a critical role in reducing impact and achieving sustainability targets. “High-quality, reliable MFPs require fewer resources for repairs or replacements. By integrating energy efficiency with product reliability, businesses can create more sustainable and cost-effective operations.”
Reseller notes
When talking to customers about the benefits of energy efficient printers, there are numerous things they should highlight. Cost savings is one. “Additionally, smart features such as automatic shutdown, low-energy standby and remote monitoring also contribute to cost savings,” says James. “Resellers can position energy efficiency as a factor that reduces operational costs over the printer’s life, reflecting on TCO. 
“Resellers should emphasise how printers support regulatory compliance and green certifications, meeting eco-compliance standards.”
Dan agrees that resellers should highlight the long-term cost savings. “Many businesses still focus on upfront costs when purchasing hardware, but energy-efficient models deliver significant reductions in operational expenses over time. Lower electricity bills, fewer maintenance requirements, and reduced consumable waste all contribute to improved cost efficiency.”
Peter adds that the reduction in carbon emissions should be highlighted. “Device features such as ultra-low power sleep modes, reduced fusing temperatures, and proven reliability can significantly lower energy and unforeseen running costs,” he says. 
Tony adds that resellers should also focus on customisable sustainability features. “Such as those that help reduce paper usage and minimise waste,” he says. “By showcasing these features, resellers can help customers achieve a smarter, greener office while also making smart financial and environmental decisions.”
Stuart says resellers need to educate customers. “As customers look to take their digital transformation to the next stage, resellers can optimise energy efficiency as part of this process,” he says. “By highlighting the effectiveness of MPS as a way to streamline processes and better monitor devices, resellers can help maximise the lifespan of customer equipment and the overall efficiency of their workflow.”The post How Energy Efficient Printers Lower Costs and Carbon Footprints first appeared on Print in the Channel.

 

Mobile Printers In Logistics: Trends and Benefits

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InsightsFor businesses in warehousing and logistics, efficiency is a key priority, and using mobile printers can help operators to achieve that. But as their popularity grows, so customer demands are also changing, which resellers need to be alive to.
The growth in ecommerce isn’t slowing down, and neither is the desire from customers for ever-increasing speed of delivery. This puts pressure on businesses in the warehousing and logistics sector to be as efficient as possible to ensure that deliveries go out on time. 
A key part of this is printing and is why mobile printing solutions are becoming increasingly popular for many businesses in these sectors.
Bob Vines, country manager for the UK, Ireland and the Nordics at TSC, says that there are several advantages for warehousing and logistics businesses of using mobile print devices, over traditional static devices.
“Mobile printers are increasingly popular because they’re always within arm’s reach of the warehouse operative or delivery driver, so they don’t have to keep returning to central printing stations for on-demand labels,” he says. “The devices can be carried on the shoulder or strung from a belt clip or even affixed to (and recharged) on warehouse vehicles like forklifts, stackers, pallet jacks and carts. 
“TSC Auto ID’s Alpha-30L and Alpha-40L can be installed on vehicles using its vehicle adaptor that is compatible with third-party mounts like RAM® mounts. There is also a quick-release vehicle mount kit to easily detach the printer, allowing the operator to use it elsewhere or return it to the office at the end of the shift. The mobile printer can be attached and detached in seconds but is securely fixed when in use, enhancing mobility and flexibility for diverse tasks.” 
Harriette Wysocki, country manager UK&I at Jarltech, adds that the increase in popularity of mobile print devices across warehousing and logistics has been driven by the demand for real-time, on-the-go productivity. “Compared to static printers, mobile devices allow workers to print labels, receipts and documentation exactly where and when they’re needed – on the warehouse floor, in vehicles or at loading bays,” she says. “This flexibility reduces walking time, increases accuracy and improves throughput. Their rugged design and wireless capabilities make them ideal for fast-paced, high-demand environments.”
Trends
As the popularity of mobile print devices grows, customer demands are changing too. For instance, Harriette says that customers are seeking solutions that offer seamless integration, enhanced durability, and long battery life. “There’s a growing focus on connected, end-to-end ecosystems combining mobile printers with rugged handhelds, software and cloud-based platforms,” she says. 
“We’re also seeing increased demand for custom software integrations, which is why working with ISV partners is critical. Businesses want more than hardware – they want tailored workflows and complete, future-proof solutions that improve efficiency and accuracy.”
Meanwhile, the growth in the use of forklifts in warehouses is driving a trend for printer accessories, Bob notes.
“With the boom in ecommerce and omnichannel fulfillment, warehouses have become crucial and are growing in number, which has led to a surge in warehouse vehicles like forklifts, with the market projected to grow by 40% from 2023 to 2031,” he says. 
“These vehicles are vital for moving inventory around the premises and, for operations that rely heavily on them, a mobile printer with a shoulder strap isn’t enough, logistics operators need the devices to be easily attached/detached to the vehicles themselves so we’re seeing an increase in demand for things like vehicle mount kits and different types of accessories for charging on the go. 
“Our vehicle power adapters cater to cigarette lighter sockets and direct connections to a power source, offering charging flexibility. The battery eliminator is ideal for printers that are always connected to a power source, where a battery is unnecessary. For printers used on and off vehicles, you can conveniently charge them after a shift using either the docking cradle or the dedicated battery charger for removed batteries. We also offer a fanfold media holder, complete with media tray, to ensure smooth feeding to the mobile printer of larger rolls or media that cannot be rolled.”
Sustainability
Of course, warehousing and logistics businesses are also looking for their mobile print solutions to be as sustainable as possible too. One increasingly popular option is linerless label printers. “The sustainability advantages of linerless are increasingly making it a favoured labelling solution as it reduces waste and costs,” says Bob. “No backing liner means waste handling costs are reduced but its benefits go even further in that it diminishes potential safety hazards. 
“Operators frequently move about in warehouses or logistics centres, and traditional labels pose risks such as tripping over liner waste or slipping and falling. These incidents can be big or small, but they are a potential threat to worker safety. They can lead to prolonged issues that businesses prefer to avoid. Linerless labelling can effectively reduce such hazards, creating a safer working environment and helping businesses comply with worker safety regulations.” 
Harriette adds that sustainability is now a core decision-making factor. “Customers are looking for energy-efficient devices, longer-lasting consumables, and reduced waste through smarter print management,” she says. 
“Resellers that can support sustainability goals through managed services – such as device lifecycle tracking, preventative maintenance, and eco-conscious supply options – are well-positioned to win long-term business.”
Reseller conversations
When talking to customers in the warehousing and logistics sectors about mobile print solutions, sustainability is just one factor that should be highlighted, according to Harriette. “Resellers should highlight total cost of ownership, operational efficiency, and the value of flexibility in dynamic environments,” she says. 
“Emphasising how mobile printing reduces bottlenecks, improves accuracy, and integrates with existing WMS or ERP systems, particularly when supported by ISV-developed apps, can be a key differentiator. Offering managed services ensures customers have reliable uptime and support.”
Bob adds that although mobile printers align with the ‘on-the-go’ nature of logistics operations, specific requirements may vary based on the working scenarios or environments. “When talking to prospective customers, resellers should get them to consider elements such as mobility requirements, media usage, durability, charging capabilities, compatibility, ease of use, and working conditions as all will influence the most suitable mobile printer device for their needs,” he says. 
“Resellers should also reflect on the benefits of linerless labelling when talking to potential customers.”
In addition, resellers should note to customers that while mobile printing is convenient, not every mobile printer will be paired with a dedicated handheld device, according to Bob. “Pairing every device via cable connection, or manually entering pairing information for the first time, is very time-consuming so resellers could emphasise how NFC tap-to-pair is the perfect solution, simplifying device pairing via Bluetooth,” he says. “Our RE310, Alpha-30R, Alpha-30L, Alpha-40L, Alpha-2R and TDM Series all support NFC.”
Future
Looking to the future for mobile print devices, as with print devices aimed at other sectors, artificial intelligence (AI) will have an increasing influence over the next 12-18 months. 
“AI will play a growing role in predictive maintenance, print analytics and process automation,” explains Harriette. “We anticipate printers becoming smarter – able to detect usage patterns, auto-diagnose issues, and adapt to workflow changes in real time. As warehouses evolve toward more intelligent, automated operations, resellers and ISVs will be central to delivering these next-generation, integrated solutions.”
Bob adds that there will also be increased adoption of augmented reality in this sector. “This enhances user experience and training,” he says.
There will also be an increased focus on sustainability, he adds. “There will be a push towards eco-friendly materials and energy efficiency. In addition, extend mobile device life cycles to meet eco-design and eco-friendly practices.”
Connectivity will also be enhanced, Bob says. “There will be enhanced WIFI security and IoT integration for better performance.”
This will build on current trends in mobile barcode solutions, such as integration with mobile devices, which give users greater flexibility and cost-effectiveness, Bob adds. He says there are also more cloud-based solutions, which give real-time data access and scalability.The post Mobile Printers In Logistics: Trends and Benefits first appeared on Print in the Channel.

 

HP Amplify 2025: Transforming Print with AI and Quantum Security

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AIThe HP Amplify 2025 conference has seen the launch of purported world firsts in the print sector, including protecting against quantum computing attacks and a compact printer capable of handling large format rigid and flexible media.
Nashville, Tennessee in the USA is known as being the country music capital of the world, but for three days in March, it was also the capital of the technological world, as HP Inc held its annual Amplify Conference in the city.
From March 17-19, some 1,500 commercial, retail, alliance, distribution partners and customers of HP descended on Nashville for the Ampify Conference, where more than 80 new AI-enabled solutions were introduced and on display in 40,000sq ft of show space.
The theme of this year’s event was shaping the future of work, and to empower people and businesses to create and manage their own way of working. As well as unveiling a range of PCs and AI-powered print tools for SMBs, HP also announced enhancements to its Workforce Experience Platform, which have all been built to drive company growth and professional fulfilment.
“HP is translating AI into meaningful experiences that drive growth and fulfilment,” said Enrique Lores, president and CEO at HP Inc. “We are shaping the future of work with game-changing AI innovations that seamlessly adapt to how people want to work.”
Changing how customers print
Among the many new launches at the Amplify Conference were innovations in the print sector. 
For instance, HP announced how it is changing the way customers print and manage documents, making it easier and more efficient with new features and technology. This included two new features to its collection of AI-powered tools that help SMBs simplify and enhance the print experience. 
The first feature streamlines the process of sharing scanned documents by using AI to summarise them and draft an email with the document attached, allowing for easy sharing via email or chat. 
The second feature offers automatic and guided redaction to safeguard sensitive information, ensuring that private data remains secure on HP devices without requiring a cloud connection. These innovations aim to reduce the complexity and enhance the security of document handling for small businesses. 
Protecting against quantum computer attacks
One of the most significant announcements in the print sector was the unveiling of what HP say are the world’s first printers to protect against quantum computer attacks.
As Steve Inch, global senior print security strategist and product management lead at HP Inc, noted in a blog, the threat of quantum computers breaking asymmetric cryptography – the algorithms that our digital world relies on – grows every year. “Experts think there’s up to a 34% chance of this happening by 2034,” he wrote. “This would put encrypted communications at risk, compromise the existing digital signatures used for verifying the integrity of firmware and software, and dissolve digital trust.”
If a printer has no quantum resilience, a quantum attack at the firmware level would mean it would be fully exposed through malicious firmware updates, giving the attacker stealthy, persistent and total control of the device.
To counter this developing threat, HP has launched its new 8000 Series printers – including the HP Color LaserJet Enterprise MFP 8801, Mono MFP 8601, and LaserJet Pro Mono SFP 8501 – which have been designed with quantum resilience to protect against the potential quantum attacks of the future.
Features of the printers include: 
• A foundation for quantum resistance: The printers’ new ASIC chips are designed with quantum-resistant cryptography and enable the use of digital signature verification to protect firmware integrity against quantum attacks
• Enhanced security at the hardware level: Printer manageability and protection is enhanced through the new ASIC chips, which protect early-stage BIOS and BIOS boot firmware integrity, reducing the risk of data breaches
• Seamless integration with Zero Trust measures: Foundational to HP’s Zero Trust Print Architecture, these printers are designed to integrate seamlessly into existing Zero Trust Network Architectures. This helps organisations to take a unified, fleet-wide approach to their security strategies and protect against current and future threats.
This forms part of HP’s commitment to innovation in device security – the company has already launched PCs that contain firmware protection against quantum computer attacks. 
Large format breakthrough
Another printer launched at Amplify was the HP Latex R530 Printer, which is a compact all-in-one HP Latex printer capable of handling rigid and flexible media. 
Its digital operation is designed to simplify workflows and maximise space, boosting efficiency for users. It is aimed at businesses in a range of sectors, from small and medium-sized print shops (PSPs) that want help to meet customer demands with high-quality prints and impressive output to construction companies undertaking large-scale projects.
In a blog, Daniel Martinez, global head and general manager, HP Large Format Business, noted that organisations seek innovative solutions to improve their operations, streamline processes, and expand their customer reach. “That’s why we’re excited to introduce new devices and solutions designed to address these challenges and empower businesses in the future of work,” he wrote.
All-in-one printing solution
Daniel added that HP has heard from PSP customers about the significant challenges they face when it comes to rigid printing, including space, cost and operational limitations. “Small and medium-sized print shops often struggle to find efficient workflows or resort to outsourcing, while larger PSPs seek solutions that can expand their offerings and execute short runs on both rigid and flexible media,” he explained.
The Latex R530 seeks to address these issues, offering significant capabilities in a smaller footprint and enabling PSPs to overcome the hurdles associated with rigid printing while taking advantage of new commercial opportunities.
For instance, the Latex R530 printer allows seamless adaptation between rigid and flexible applications. It delivers consistent, high-quality output across various media types, which can help PSPs to tap into new markets and expand their print applications. With automatic recirculation and printhead cleaning, businesses can enhance uptime and reduce maintenance costs. The single-phase power system provides effortless installation in limited spaces.
Sustainability is a key focus of the printer, with sustainable innovation features like direct-to-rigid printing which reduces waste and UL ECOLOGO®-certified HP Latex Inks. The printer promotes circularity with returnable maintenance cartridges and 25% recycled plastic in its design. 
Daniel said that this eliminates trade-offs associated with traditional flatbeds for customers and gives small and medium-sized PSPs an all-in-one solution to elevate their operations and scale sustainably.
Streamlining workflows
Streamlining workflows is something that PSPs are increasingly looking to do, especially to integrate with their technology. Daniel said that the new HP PrintOS Production Hub offers a centralised, real-time platform for order management and remote production control. This software optimises print operations, reducing inefficiencies and errors. With precision, efficiency and control PSPs can enhance their print workflows and deliver superior results.
The Latex R530 Printer is expected to be available globally from April.
Partner program updates
Elsewhere at the Amplify Conference, HP announced new benefits through its Amplify partner program to help partners navigate the evolving demands of the future of work with smarter, more connected experiences. Enhancements include the launch of the Amplify SuperPower Booster, an upgraded compensation structure that rewards portfolio-wide HP sales and supports flexible technology solutions. 
HP is also expanding the Amplify AI program with new resources and use cases to help partners accelerate adoption.
Overwhelming success
Neil MacDonald, HP’s UK & Ireland senior channel director, hailed the success of the conference. “The HP Amplify Conference 2025 has been an overwhelming success, reinforcing HP’s commitment to partner enablement, AI-driven innovation, and sustainable growth. 
“HP continues to innovate and invest in the print sector, ensuring that partners have access to industry-leading security, efficiency, and AI-driven solutions.
“A standout development is the new HP LaserJet Enterprise 8000 Series Printers, which are the first in the world to protect against quantum computer attacks. This is a game-changer for businesses in highly regulated industries that need future-proof security.
“For SMBs, HP has introduced new AI-powered print tools that simplify and enhance the print experience. 
“The expansion of AI-powered solutions, from AI PCs to advanced print security and workflow automation, positions HP as a leader in the next wave of digital transformation.”The post HP Amplify 2025: Transforming Print with AI and Quantum Security first appeared on Print in the Channel.

 

Balancing Cost and Quality: The Paper Industry’s New Challenge

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InsightsPaper still plays a central role in many businesses’ daily operations, but their demands are changing, with a focus on sustainability and some wanting higher quality products – although cost is still often a big consideration.
While digitalisation continues apace for many businesses, it doesn’t mean that the role of the printer has become redundant – as the continuing launches of new print devices attests. Likewise, it means that demand for paper is also not significantly dropping. 
“Despite the challenges faced by mass digitisation office papers remain a central and essential element of business communication,” says Paul Savill, product manager – office and digital papers at Antalis.
“The impact of receiving a personalised communication and the physical interaction it demands far outweighs that of an email that regularly arrives in your junk folder. Often that email’s destiny is nothing more than a one-click deletion.
“Office papers serve a comprehensive variety of roles and applications and as such its versatility and ability to serve the needs of the user are often maligned or indeed misunderstood.”
Michelle Lawton, account director – print at Exertis, agrees that print remains central to many businesses. “Print has reduced, but not as much as you would think, while archiving solutions and digital documents have grown people still have filing cabinets!” she says. “And in many industries moving to an automated way of working is just too large an expense in one go.” 
Customer demands
While the demand for paper is still there, customer demands for what they want are changing. For instance, Paul says the advent of lower cost, high quality office colour printing has driven manufacturers to focus on developing their products to meet the needs of this technology. “They are producing office papers specifically designed with an ultra-smooth, high white finish, complimented by surface treatments to maximise the printers’ capabilities and colour reproduction,” he says. 
“The result is a superior looking document and something you simply could not reproduce on the same paper you would use to print off an email or internal communication.”
Paul adds that buyers and consumers are becoming ever more demanding of the products they purchase. “This is in terms of quality and sustainability, and it is vital that any on pack claim, feature or environmental certification can be presented, discussed and debated if ever ‘put on the spot’ – an inability to be able to do this could quite literally result in a lost sale and loss of credibility,” he says.
“Here is where a reputable and knowledgeable supplier can help working in partnership with the reseller. They should be able to provide expertise, information, documentation, relevant training and detail to help support the reseller. This collaborative approach will enhance the skills and product knowledge of the resellers sales and customer service team.”
Changing habits
Michelle adds that paper has been looked on as a cheap product for many years, but this is changing as printing habits evolve. “Some customers are now looking for premium paper – with quality gsm, texture and finish – for when they print as documents are more often kept,” she says.
“Paper as a topic is massive with the different thicknesses, colours, sizes and finishes. Offices may use letterhead, continuation, plain and internal, which would usually be recycled paper as its not customer facing. All of which will be different weights, and all carry different price points.
“The only thing the different paper types have in common is that they are not cheap! Premium paper is like the good China – kept for best!”
But Steve Carter, managing director of Advantia Business Solutions, adds that while paper mills would love there to be large increases in demand for A- and B-grade paper, it isn’t there currently.
“At the minute, the paper mills are making a lot of white box paper because they’ve got a lot of capacity, as the demand for A and B grades just isn’t there,” he says. “Our dealers who buy paper by the container load are still buying plenty of paper but it’s C-grade paper.”
Paper pricing
But with the amount of white box paper being produced, it does mean that paper prices have returned to normal, having increased about two years ago due to strikes at some of the European paper mills creating a shortage, Steve notes. 
“Once that paper shortage cleared up, you started to see prices coming back down again,” he adds. “And that’s what they did through the course of last year and they’ve levelled out now. There’s no urge from the mills to put it back up. The paper merchants would like to see it go back up, but as the mills are all abroad, they haven’t got the increases coming through on minimum wage and NI in April, which the merchants here have. However, increases in paper prices are always mill-driven.”
Steve adds that, having spoken to paper merchants, there is no sign of an increase in price on the horizon. “What tends to happen is one of the mills will dip their toe in the water and talk about increases, and then they’ll wait to see whether anyone else follows. If other mills do, then they’ll put an increase through. But if they don’t, then they won’t go out on a limb and do it themselves. 
“At the minute, there’s no indication of any price increases coming through. Prices have plateaued and I think they will probably stay plateaued for a while before you start to see some increases come through. But things can change, as we know from recent years.”
Cost considerations
Steve says that cost is still an important consideration when discussing paper with customers. “If the first question the customer asks is, ‘what’s the price of your paper?’ Then you know that it’s going to be all price-driven,” he says. “Resellers have got to try and get them away from that and start talking to them about overall service. But you still get dealers, and probably more so the contract stationers, that will either sell paper at cost or below and then make it up on other products because they know to win that business, the paper pricing must be extremely keen. 
“In some instances, it’s still that loss leader, but even if you’re making money on paper, you’re not making a lot.”
Michelle agrees on the importance of cost. “Cost is always at the forefront and now more so than ever, its particularly important in high use areas – for example education, printing services and transactional data, which is why all our bills are online,” she says.
 “There is still high demand for cheap paper, but the deciding factors are the industry and type of document to be produced i.e. letters, flyers, menus, booklets or posters. For example, in education they often use different colours to aid reading for the pupils that can often be upwards of double the white paper print costs.”
Sustainability concerns
While cost is important, so are issues such as sustainability. Dr Liz Wilks, head of sustainability and public relations at APP, notes that sourcing from well-managed forests has been a key part of the purchasing decision for the last 30 years since the two global forest certifications were put in place, notably FSC & PEFC. 
“Paper is one of the most sustainable raw materials from source to end of life – it can be recycled up to seven times,” she says. “Of course, there are different considerations in sourcing paper i.e. virgin fibre with a forest certification or recycled paper. APP also goes beyond this being deforestation free since 2013.
“Sustainability is a core consideration at APP, and we recognise the importance of sourcing materials from sustainably managed forests, such as those certified by the PEFC. We also work closely with our suppliers to ensure they follow environmentally responsible practices. By integrating sustainability into our process, we aim to minimise our environmental footprint, support responsible forestry practices, and provide our customers with high-quality, eco-friendly paper products.”
Liz says that resellers should keep emphasising the environmental qualities of using paper and explaining the labels that reflect this such as PEFC. “The consumption of paper is in fact sustainable,” she says.
Michelle agrees that sustainability is an important consideration. “Customers have to use paper so the buying scales are weighted against cost and sustainability as the companies themselves often have green credentials to meet,” she says. “Printer manufacturers and software solution providers all now look at sustainability with some planting trees to offset the paper their customers use in the industry and helping businesses feel better about buying decisions and using paper through their devices.
“People want sustainable low-cost paper with a reasonable finish that could go inside or outside the company to the public. The trend will be on sustainable devices and paper suppliers and using software to report on print usage and spend with possible limits. Inaccurate printing is no longer considered disposable and the recycle waste paper containers should be empty as that’s an expense to the business.”
Trends 
There are other expected trends in paper purchasing over the coming 12-18 months. “As CEPIs statistics report in 2024 highlights, paper packaging grades are growing, which is no surprise, however, graphic paper is too as people do like to have good quality brochures and books,” says Liz. “The focus on recycling also helps to support the sustainable facets of paper.”
Liz adds that copier paper is also set to increase as demand for office printing remains, according to Future Markets Insights. “However, paper supply could be disrupted in 2025 due to the geopolitical situation,” she warns.
“In terms of sustainability, the paper industry remains firm with additional expectations from Europe under the green deal, which this particular sector is ready to take on given its history of certification and traceability under chain of custody.”
Reseller conversations
When talking about paper to customers, then resellers should look to understand the business’ needs, says Paul. “A printed office document and the impact on its intended recipient rely more and more on the paper it is printed on and whilst there will always be a need/market for cost effective papers, the skill of the reseller lies within understanding the customers’ application as well as understanding their needs, wants and desires,” he says.
“In addition, the reseller would be well served to fully to understand the product they are promoting in detail – and then tailor their proposal to meet the customers need.”
Michelle agrees: “The reality is the paper is only half the story, and the media type, size, thickness, colour and end design are other deciding factors as is what print type laser or ink jet and finishing it will have,” she notes. 
“You need to understand the customers documents to be able to advise savings and the customer needs to understand the cost to the business.”The post Balancing Cost and Quality: The Paper Industry’s New Challenge first appeared on Print in the Channel.

 

Star Micronics Redefines Receipt and Label Printing with New Launch

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Product NewsStar Micronics has launched the TSP143IV X4 and TSP143IVSK X4 receipt and label printers that aim to provide users with greater efficiency and scalability.
International POS hardware solutions provider Star Micronics has launched two new models in its established TSP100 series, the TSP143IV X4 receipt and order printer and TSP143IVSK X4 linerless label printer, featuring four versatile interfaces incorporated in one model to ensure superior connectivity and exceptional performance.
As the latest models within Star’s most established and successful printer ranges, the TSP143IV X4 and TSP143IVSK X4 respond to growing demand for future-proof, scalable hardware that can support fixed, mobile and cloud applications.
Redefining efficiency and scalability for online ordering and labelling, the TSP143IV X4 and TSP143IVSK X4 are equipped with exceptional connectivity: USB, LAN, WLAN and Bluetooth alongside cloud connectivity as standard in one model to offer seamless compatibility with POS systems, tablets, handheld devices, online ordering systems and self-ordering kiosks supporting all major operating systems.  
Both models deliver a new WLAN and Bluetooth setup designed to simplify wireless connectivity ‘out-of-the-box’.  As a result, users can quickly connect via an auto-generated QR code or via the Star Quick Set Up Utility and be online within less than a minute.
Ideal for business
The expertly designed and compact TSP143IV X4 and TSP143IVSK X4 feature a fast print speed while benefitting from an internal power supply and four-year warranty as standard.  
With security being a key challenge facing many retail and hospitality businesses, Star’s unique cash drawer connection sensing feature allows the printers to distinguish an open drawer or one which is completely disconnected. The information can be reported directly to a locally controlling application or via the cloud. 
Thanks to Star’s next generation CloudPRNT Next technology utilising the MQTT protocol, the printers are ideal for businesses managing remote print operations across multiple locations. Furthermore, access to StarPrinter.Online and Star Micronics Cloud Services is included to provide effective support for remote device management.  
Finally, with its linerless sticky label printing capabilities, the TSP143IVSK X4 offers a versatile solution for hospitality environments seeking to print repositionable labels for food and drink orders and deliveries, resulting in greater order accuracy and streamlined workflows.  
 The post Star Micronics Redefines Receipt and Label Printing with New Launch first appeared on Print in the Channel.